Growing up, I was the opposite of a leader. I always isolated myself and followed others. Being at Back 2 Basics, I have grown tremendously in many ways. I have learned to hold myself and other people accountable, be honest about my feelings, speak with tact, speak from a heart-centered place of care and concern, have empathy for others and to have self-worth. This has allowed me to be a better functioning member of society and also allowed me to use everything I have learned to be a leader. Having been here for four and a half months, I am now one of the “senior residents” and have been put into a leadership position. Being a leader has never been a goal of mine however it has helped me grow in many ways I never would have expected. It makes me feel really good about myself being able to give to others. I am also able to relate to the new guys in many ways. For instance, their struggles with the trips in the beginning along with the struggle of early sobriety. It’s nice being able to give them feedback on what I was able to get past certain issues and that I understand what they are going through. I feel like it is a start to building self-worth. Feeling good about myself just like what the 12th step of AA talks about. Resident Journal by: JZ